THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.

A FOUNDATION
OF FRIENDSHIP

Founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. became the first international fraternal organization founded at a historically Black college. Rooted in the cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, Omega was established despite opposition from Howard’s administration, solidifying its resilience from the start.
FRATERNITY MANDATES

A Century of Excellence

On November 17, 1911, Howard University witnessed the birth of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., founded by Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman, with guidance from faculty advisor Ernest Everett Just. This historic moment marked the establishment of the first international fraternity at a historically Black college. Rooted in the cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, Omega Psi Phi defied opposition from Howard’s administration, standing firm in its commitment to leadership, service, and excellence.

From its inception, Omega Psi Phi expanded its influence beyond college campuses, initiating dynamic leaders across multiple fields. The fraternity played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, with members such as Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month, and Roy Wilkins, a key figure in the NAACP. Omega men have left an indelible mark in education, politics, science, business, athletics, and the arts—Rev Jesse Jackson, Benjamin Crump, Michael Jordan, Langston Hughes, and Count Basie exemplify its legacy of greatness.

Omega’s commitment to service is reflected in its nationally mandated programs, including Achievement Week, the Charles R. Drew Blood Drive, and voter education initiatives. Through these efforts, the fraternity has uplifted underserved communities, fostered educational opportunities, and empowered generations to break barriers. Chapters worldwide continue to mentor young men, support social justice, and champion initiatives that strengthen the Black community.

Today, Omega Psi Phi stands as a global force, uniting thousands of members in the pursuit of progress. Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or the front lines of activism, Omega men continue to lead with purpose. With an unbreakable bond of Friendship and a commitment to its founding principles, the fraternity remains a beacon of excellence, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come.

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FOUNDERS OF
OMEGA PSI PHI

Cooper

Dr. Oscar James Cooper

May 20, 1888 – February 24, 1972

Oscar James Cooper was a distinguished physician and one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was born in Washington, D.C., and attended Howard University, where he met his fellow founders. After helping establish Omega in 1911, he pursued a medical career, earning his M.D. from Howard’s medical school in 1917. Dr. Cooper dedicated his life to providing medical care to underserved communities in Philadelphia, practicing medicine for over 50 years.
Let it be said of Omega of the Future that We Live to Serve Our Fellow Man.
Coleman

Professor Frank Coleman

July 11, 1890 – February 24, 1967

Frank Coleman was a physicist and professor who co-founded Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. while a student at Howard University. A native of Washington, D.C., he later pursued a graduate degree in physics and served as a science instructor at Howard. During World War I, he served as a U.S. Army officer, demonstrating his commitment to perseverance and leadership. He continued his lifelong dedication to education and Omega Psi Phi, mentoring young scholars and advancing scientific knowledge.
Great schemes born in the minds of individuals never became potent until translated into Action.
Love

Bishop Edgar Amos Love

September 10, 1891 – May 1, 1974

Edgar Amos Love was an esteemed minister, military chaplain, and civil rights advocate who co-founded Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, he graduated from Howard University and later earned a divinity degree from Boston University. He served as the first Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi, establishing the Fraternity’s foundation in scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. Love dedicated his life to service, later becoming a bishop in the Methodist Church and an influential leader in the fight for racial equality.
There is a place for mediocrity in our society but, not in Omega.
Just

Dr. Ernest Everett Just

August 14, 1883 – October 27, 1941

Bro. Ernest Everett Just was a pioneering biologist and educator known for his groundbreaking research in cell biology and fertilization. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he overcame racial adversity to graduate magna cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1907. In 1911, while serving as a faculty member at Howard University, he played a pivotal role in co-founding Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as its faculty advisor. Just later became the first recipient of the NAACP Spingarn Medal in 1915 for his contributions to science and remained a leading scholar until his passing in 1941.
These times demand clean men, of clear vision, of straight thinking, of unselfish doing....

Nationally Mandated Programs
of Omega Psi Phi

Achievement Week
Established in 1920, this program recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions toward improving the Black community and emphasizes the importance of African American achievement.

Scholarship
This initiative provides financial assistance to deserving students, emphasizing the fraternity’s commitment to academic excellence.

Social Action Program
Omega Psi Phi participates in activities that uplift communities, such as mentoring, voter registration, urban renewal, health initiatives, and community service projects.

Talent Hunt Program
Originating in 1945, this program provides exposure, encouragement, and financial assistance to young people with exceptional talent in the performing arts.

Fatherhood & Mentoring
Every level of the Fraternity, particularly at the chapter level, is asked to play an active role in support of the partnership by actively engaging in the promotion of the Fraternity’s Fatherhood Mentoring initiative.

Memorial Service
Held annually on March 12 in honor of the fraternity’s founders, particularly recognizing Founder Frank Coleman, who passed away on that date.

Reclamation and Retention
This program encourages inactive members to return and become active participants in the fraternity.

College Endowment Fund
Since 1924, Omega has provided financial contributions to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Health Initiatives
The fraternity promotes awareness of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, along with initiatives like blood drives and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization
Omega Psi Phi works to ensure voter awareness, participation, and advocacy within the African American community.

NAACP
Omega Psi Phi has been a long-time supporter of the NAACP and encourages its members to maintain active involvement in civil rights efforts.

STEM
The Fraternity’s STEM initiatives are designed to get students across the world excited about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

These mandates reflect Omega Psi Phi’s commitment to leadership, community service, and social justice, reinforcing its lasting impact on society.